a new typology for library buildings in the 21st century: trends and post-occupancy evaluation -...

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Library Services & Research Support

A new typology for library buildings in the 21st century:

trends and evaluation

Karen LatimerQueen’s University Belfast

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Outline

• Key changes in library building type

• Library design/service trends

• Challenges for library planners

• Post-occupancy evaluation

• Where to find help

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Library buildings: a changing typology

20th century

• Imposing• Permanence• Stability• Solitude• Quiet• Status quo• Collections

21st century

• Welcoming/relaxed• Transience• Flexibility• Communal/Choice• Zoned• Innovation(IT)• Connections

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St Jeromeby Antonella da Messina

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20th/21st century trends

• Hybrid library: print/e to e/print

• Library as third place –all three places

• Collections to connections

• Learning spaces & social spaces

• Shift from iconic landmark to integration and sustainability

• Partnerships/collaboration

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• Learning & social spaces (UG/PG)



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University of Utrecht

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University of Aberdeen

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Kaisa House University of Helsinki Library

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Berlin and Cottbus

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Birmingham Central Library

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Delft Technical University

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The Hive, Worcester

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Clapham Library, London

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Challenges• What do good digital spaces look like?• What kind of learning spaces do we need?• What sort of staff workspaces are required?• Funding pressures: extension, refurbishment,

partnerships, co-location• Impact of new trends on interiors: service points,

furniture, lighting, signage• Long lead-in: predicting the future• Post-occupancy evaluation

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Rolex Learning Centre

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Leicester University Extension

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Rising to the challenge: post-occupancy evaluation

Look, listen and learn

•Visits – what works, what doesn’t

•Exchange of experience – seminars

•Surveys

•User-led/librarian-evaluated POE

•Resources – literature, organizations

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IFLA Post-occupancy evaluation project

• IFLA and LIBER Architecture Group seminars

• Questionnaire devised

• Study visit to Germany

• Book imminent:

General overview:architects/librarians

Case studies in different time frames

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Post-occupancy evaluation questionnaire

General Building Services Conclusion

Facts and figures LocationAccessibilitySustainabilitySafety and SecurityFlexibility

Entrance area Materials FlooringCeilingsAcousticsOpeningsLightingFurniture

Heating, Ventilationand Air-conditioningInstallations fed through a wiring systemDataSanitary areas

Service AreasShelvingUser areas Children’s AreaYoung Adults Staff Areas AutomationMaintenance

Three wishesAnything that should be changedAnything particularly successful

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Law Library Halle

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The Berlin Brain: Freie Universität

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Changes after opening

• 24/7 opening (more space)

• More reader places/ group study space

• Ubiquitous self service: loans & returns, laptops, book selection

• Book sorter (RFID tagging)

• More informal study space (café)

• Increased ownership/consultation

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Resources for Library Design• Designing Libraries (CIC) www.designinglibraries.org.uk • JISC www.jiscinfonet.ac.uk/infokits/learning-space-

design• IFLA Library Buildings & Equipment:www.ifla.org/en/library-buildings-and-equipment• LIBER Architecture Group www .zhbluzern.ch (uber uns/ weitere

partner)

a new typology for library buildings in the 21st century: trends and post-occupancy evaluation -...

Education

eprint library

library planners

century trends hybrid

places collections

social spaces ugpg shift

iconic landmark

good digital spaces

kind of learning spac